Digital camera capable of outputting image data to external apparatus

ABSTRACT

A digital camera is provided with a plurality of group specifying keys for specifying a use purpose of a photographed picture. In such an external flash memory of the digital camera that stores the photographed pictures is generated a plurality of index files that corresponds to the group specifying keys. When any one of the plurality of group specifying keys is pressed when some of the recorded pictures are displayed, file names of those pictures being displayed are sequentially described in an index file corresponding to that pressed group specifying key. When using the picture file, the personal computer reads out a plurality of picture files described in an index file which corresponds to a desired use purpose to then conduct the corresponding processes at a time based on that index file.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-350407, filed Nov. 17, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a digital camera capable of outputting picture (image) data to an external apparatus, a picture data managing device, a picture data managing method, and a recording medium in which a picture data managing program is recorded.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Recently, such a digital camera has been prevailing commonly that is equipped with a display such as an LCD functioning as a view finder to thereby reproduce and confirm a photographed picture on the display without using any other devices. In such a digital camera, a picture of a subject imaged by a solid imaging device such as a CCD is recorded as picture data in a recording medium such as a flash memory, pieces of which picture data are compressed in a predetermined format such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) and then recorded in an order they were photographed in the recording medium as picture files having file names each consisting of, for example, a date and time.

[0006] Furthermore, some of the digital cameras can typically utilize cable communication by use of USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection etc. or wireless communication by use of an infrared etc. to thereby transmit picture data to an external apparatus such as another digital cameras or a personal computer or do they have a detachable memory as the above-mentioned recording medium, which may be attached to the external apparatus, which can utilize the picture data. Therefore, by such a type of digital camera, the picture data recorded upon photographing can be taken into a personal computer and copied on a floppy disk etc. so that the pictures may be distributed to a plurality of persons, that is, extra-copy by use of a prior art silver-salt camera is made possible.

[0007] However, in an attempt to copy specific picture data on a floppy disk etc. in a personal computer, it is found difficult to determine a copy-subject picture only by the above-mentioned file name. Accordingly, such a job is required as to display and once confirm on a monitor those copy-subject pictures in an order (or reverse order) they were photographed and then select specific one of them and copy it on a floppy disk etc., so that a job of distributing, in particular, many pictures to many persons is troublesome and has a degraded efficiency of working. When a personal computer with a low picture processing capability is used in particular, it takes long time to confirm copy-subject pictures, thus remarkably degrading in working efficiency.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera, a picture data managing apparatus, a picture data managing method, and a recording medium recording therein a picture data managing program that can output picture data recorded in the digital camera to an external apparatus and improve a working efficiency in picture processing executed by the external apparatus on the picture data.

[0009] To the above object, a first preferred aspect of the present invention provides a digital camera including in configuration:

[0010] an imaging section for imaging a subject and outputting a plurality of pieces of image data;

[0011] a specifying section for specifying at least one of the plurality of image data pieces output from the imaging section;

[0012] an index file generating section for generating an index file containing an identifier with which any image data piece specified by the specifying section can be identified; and

[0013] a control section for storing in an image storage section a plurality of image data pieces output from the imaging section, and for storing in an index file storage section an index file generated by the index file generating section,

[0014] wherein the configuration enables improving a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus.

[0015] A second preferred aspect of the present invention provides a digital camera including in configuration:

[0016] imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting a plurality of pieces of image data;

[0017] specifying means for specifying at least one of a plurality of image data pieces output from the imaging means;

[0018] index file generating means for generating an index file containing an identifier with which any image data piece specified by the specifying means can be identified; and

[0019] control means for storing in an image storage section the plurality of image data pieces output from the imaging means and also storing in an index file storage section an index file generated by the index file generating means,

[0020] wherein the configuration enables improving a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus.

[0021] A third preferred aspect of the present invention provides an image data managing apparatus including in configuration:

[0022] an image storage section for storing a plurality of image data pieces;

[0023] a specifying section for specifying at least one of the plurality of image data pieces stored in the image storage section;

[0024] an index file generating section for generating an index file containing an identifier with which any image data piece specified by the specifying section can be identified; and

[0025] an index file storage section for storing an index file generated by the index file generating section,

[0026] wherein the configuration enables improving a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus.

[0027] A fourth preferred aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium recording an image data managing program for causing a computer of a digital camera provided with an imaging section for imaging a subject and outputting picture data thereof to execute the processes of:

[0028] specifying at least one of a plurality of pieces of image data output from the imaging section;

[0029] generating an index file containing an identifier with which any specified image data piece can be identified; and

[0030] storing a generated index file in a memory,

[0031] whereby a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus can be improved.

[0032] A fifth preferred aspect of the present invention provides an image data managing method for a digital camera, including the steps of:

[0033] imaging a subject and outputting image data;

[0034] specifying at least one of a plurality of thus output image data pieces;

[0035] generating an index file containing an identifier with which any specified image data piece can be identified; and

[0036] storing a generated index file in a memory,

[0037] whereby a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus can be improved.

[0038] A sixth preferred aspect of the present invention provides an image data managing apparatus including in configuration:

[0039] an acquiring section for acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storage section and which contains an identifier with which any image data piece can be identified; and

[0040] a control section for executing image processing on any one of the image data pieces stored in an image storage section that is identified by the identifier contained in an index file acquired by the acquiring section,

[0041] wherein the configuration enables improving a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus.

[0042] A seventh preferred aspect of the present invention provides an image data managing apparatus including in configuration:

[0043] acquiring means for acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storage section and which contains an identifier with which any image data piece can be identified; and

[0044] control means for executing predetermined image processing on any one of the image data pieces stored in an image storage section that is identified by an identifier contained in an index file acquired by the acquiring means,

[0045] wherein the configuration enables improving a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus.

[0046] An eighth preferred aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium recording an image data managing program for executing the processes of:

[0047] acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storage section and which contains an identifier with which any image data piece can be identified into a computer of an image data managing apparatus for processing image data; and

[0048] executing predetermined image processing on any one of image data pieces stored in an image storage section that is identified by an identifier contained in an acquired index file,

[0049] whereby a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus can be improved.

[0050] A ninth preferred aspect of the present invention provides a picture data managing method comprising the steps of:

[0051] acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storage section and which contains an identifier with which any image data piece can be identified; and

[0052] executing predetermined image processing on any one of the image data pieces stored in an image storage section that is identified by an identifier contained in an acquired index file,

[0053] whereby a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus can be improved.

[0054] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0055] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0056]FIG. 1 is an external view for showing a digital camera related to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0057]FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing an outline of the digital camera of the first embodiment;

[0058]FIG. 3 is an illustration for showing a file storage construction in an external flash memory of the first embodiment;

[0059]FIG. 4 is an illustration for explaining data contents of an index file recorded in the external flash memory;

[0060]FIG. 5 is a block diagram for showing an outline of a personal computer related to the first embodiment;

[0061]FIG. 6 is a flowchart for showing an operation of grouping pictures photographed by the digital camera of the first embodiment;

[0062]FIG. 7 is a flowchart for showing an operation of picture processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;

[0063]FIG. 8 is a flowchart for showing another operation of picture processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;

[0064]FIG. 9 is a flowchart for showing a further operation of picture processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;

[0065]FIG. 10 is a flowchart for showing a still further operation of picture processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;

[0066]FIG. 11 is a block diagram for showing an outline of a digital camera related to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0067]FIG. 12 is a flowchart for showing an operation of the side of the digital camera of the second embodiment; and

[0068]FIG. 13 is a flowchart for showing an operation of the side of a personal computer of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] The following will describe embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0070] First Embodiment

[0071]FIG. 1 is an external view for showing a digital camera 1 related to the first embodiment of the present invention. A digital camera 1 has such a construction that a camera section 3 is coupled to a side of an apparatus body 2 in such a manner that it may rotate in a vertical direction, which camera section 3 is equipped with an optical system including an imaging lens, a diaphragm, etc. which are not shown. On the right side of the apparatus body 2 is provided a shutter key 4. On the rear face of the apparatus body 2 is disposed a display 5, i.e. a TFT-type LCD monitor. On a side of the display 5 is provided a mode switching key 6 for switching the operation mode of the digital camera 1 between an imaging mode (REC) for imaging and recording a subject and a reproduction mode (PLAY) for displaying a recorded picture, while below the display 5 are arranged first through fourth operation keys 7 a-7 d (shown as “A-KEY”, “B-KEY”, C-KEY”, and “D-KEY”) in this order from the left. Those first through fourth operations keys of 7 a-7 d are assigned different functions in the different modes of those imaging and reproduction modes; in the reproduction mode, for example, they are used as a group specification key, thus functioning as a specifying section (specifying means) of the present invention.

[0072]FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing an outlined electrical configuration of the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 is housed in the camera section 3 and has a CCD11 on whose light-reception face is formed an optical image and a DSP/CPU 12. The DSP/CPU 12 is a one-chip micro-controller having a function of sampling, amplifying, and digitizing an analog signal and a function of controlling various sections of the digital camera 1.

[0073] To the DSP/CPU 12 is connected a TG (Timing Generator) 13 for driving the CCD11, to which TG13 is connected a unit circuit 14 to which is input an imaging analog signal corresponding to a brightness of a subject output from the CCD11. The unit circuit 14 is comprised of a CDS for holding an imaging analog signal output from the CCD11, a gain-control amplifier (AGC) which is an analog amplifier for amplifying this imaging signal, and an A/D converter (AD) for converting an imaging signal amplified at the gain adjustment amplifier into an imaging digital signal in such a configuration that an output signal of the CCD11 is sent as a digital signal to the DSP/CPU 12 via the unit circuit 14.

[0074] To the DSP/CPU 12 are connected the above-mentioned display 5, a key-input section 15 for generating a key-input signal corresponding to any of such keys operated as the above-mentioned shutter key, the plurality of operation keys 7 a-7 d, and a power supply key, and a timer section 16 having a calendar function and a function to output the current date data, day-of-the-week data, and time data to the DSP/CPU 12 and are also connected via an address/data bus 17 a DRAM 18, an internal flash memory 19, and an external flash memory 20. The DRAM 18 temporarily stores a digitized imaging signal of a subject who was imaged by the CCD11 when the system is set in the photographing wait mode. The built-in flash memory 19 serves as a recording medium of the present invention for storing a variety kinds of data used on control of an operating program of the DSP/CPU 12 and the various sections and also has such a work area reserved in its memory space that is used by the DSP/CPU 12. The DSP/CPU 12 operates according to the above-mentioned operating program to thereby function as a control section (control means), a specifying section (specifying means), and an index file generating section (index file generating means) of the present invention.

[0075] The external flash memory 20 functions as a picture storage section and an index file storage section of the present invention and serves as a card-type recording medium which can be attached to and detached from the apparatus body 2, so that when photographing is instructed by pressing the shutter key 4 in the photographing wait mode, one frame of picture data read out by the DSP/CPU 12 from the DRAM 18 undergoes various picture processes and is compressed and finally recorded as a picture file in this external flash memory.

[0076]FIG. 3 shows a storage construction of a picture file in the external flash memory 20. In this embodiment, when photographing is instructed, a JPEG-format picture file is generated, so that as shown in the figure, in the external flash memory 20, following a DCIM folder 20s provided beforehand in the initial state thereof are created dated folders 20 b (“0101”, “0102”, . . . ) having a photographing date. These dated folder 20 b are followed by such sequentially recorded picture files 20 c of pictures photographed on the same day that have file names (“0101001.jpg”, “0101002.jpg”, . . . ) each consisting of a date and a serial number.

[0077] Each dated folder 20 b is followed by the picture file 20 c as well as recorded index files 20 d (“folderA.text”, “folderB.text”, “holderC.text”) created for each of groups predefined by the user. As shown in FIG. 4, the index files 20 d are a text-format file consisting only of character data with a described file name of one or a plurality of picture files 20 c in each dated folder 20 b and correspond to the first through fourth operation keys 7 a of 7 d respectively.

[0078] In the imaging wait state where the shutter key 4 is not pressed in the above-mentioned imaging mode, the display 5 functions as a view finder in displaying as a through picture a subject image taken in from the CCD11 and, in the above-mentioned reproduction mode, displays a list of such pictures as downsized that were recorded in the external flash memory 20 or displays a user-selected picture in a size set at the time of photographing.

[0079]FIG. 5 is a block diagram for showing a personal computer as the external apparatus used together with the digital camera 1 in this embodiment. The personal computer 30 has a CPU31, a ROM32 and a RAM32 which are connected to the CPU31, a CRT driving circuit 35 for driving a CRT34, and a printer 42. To the CPU31 are connected through an interface 36 a keyboard 37, a mouse 38, a hard disk drive 39, a floppy disk drive 40, and a card reader 41 having a slot through which an external flash memory 20 used in the digital camera 1 is detachably attached. In the hard disk drive 39 are installed a program for enabling the card reader 41 to be used, a predetermined copying program for copying a predetermined picture file recorded in the external flash memory 20 mounted to the card reader 41 into a drive specified by the user, and a predetermined application program for reading picture data from and writing it to the external flash memory 20.

[0080] (Grouping of pictures in digital camera)

[0081] The following will describe an operation of grouping pictures in the above-mentioned digital camera 1 in the reproduction mode along a flowchart of FIG. 6. This flowchart shows the behavior of subroutines called by a main routine, not shown, and sequentially executed.

[0082] When the reproduction mode is set and any one of the pictures stored in the external flash memory 20 is shown on the display 5 (or a plurality of downsized pictures is shown on the display 5), if any one of the above-mentioned group specifying keys (first through fourth operation keys) 7 a to 7 d is pressed (YES is answered at step SA1), the digital camera 1 decides whether an index file 20 d which corresponds to the pressed group specifying key is present following a dated folder 20 b in which a picture file 20 c of the picture displayed (or selected) is present (step SA2). When such a corresponding index file 20 d is present (YES is answered at step SA2), for example, “folderA.text” is read out as that corresponding index file 20 d if that pressed group specifying key is the first operation key 7 a (step SA3). If no corresponding index file 20 d is present (NO is answered at step SA2), an index file 20 d corresponding to the pressed group specifying key, for example, “folderD.text” is newly created if that pressed group specifying key is the fourth operation key 7 d (step SA4).

[0083] Subsequently, the process describes a file name (e.g., “0101005.jpg”) of a currently displayed or selected picture in the index file 20 d read out at step SA3 or created at step SA4 then updates (saves) this index file 20 d (step SA5) and then returns to the main routine in the reproduction mode. By repeating these operations, the pictures recorded in the external flash memory 20 are sorted into a plurality of groups (four groups in this embodiments), which are indicated by index files 20 d. Note here that the user can specify the same picture over a plurality of groups, in which case, the same file name is described in a plurality of different index files 20 d.

[0084] (Copying pictures in personal computer)

[0085] The following will describe the operations when the user has activated the above-mentioned copying program in a state where the external flash memory 20 after undergoing the above-mentioned processing by the digital camera 1 is mounted to the card reader 41, along the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0086] When the copying program is activated, the personal computer 30 displays on the CRT34 a screen requesting the user to drive the recording medium to which a picture file is to be copied, more specifically to drive the floppy disk drive 40 etc. except the card reader 41 (step SB1) and then awaits specification of the recording medium (step SB2). If the user then specifies any recording medium (drive) (YES is answered at step SB2), the index files 20 d present following all the dated folders 20 b in the external flash memory 20 are retrieved and listed on the CRT34 (step SB3) and then specification of the index file 20 d is awaited (step SB4).

[0087] If, subsequently, any one of the index files 20 d (e.g., “folderA.text”) is specified from among this list (YES is answered at step SB4), all the specified index files 20 d following one or a plurality of dated folders 20 b are read out (step SB5). Then, all the picture files described in the one or the plurality of index files 20 d having the same file name are sequentially read out from the external flash memory 20 and thus read out picture files 20 c are copied to a recording medium (driver) specified by the user at step SB1 (step SB6). When the relevant picture files 20 c are all copied completely (YES is answered at step SB7), the process ends immediately.

[0088] In this embodiment, therefore, the user can perform the following steps to distribute one or a plurality of pictures photographed by the digital camera 1 using a floppy disk. First, for example, he predefines the first operation key 7 a (“A-KEY”) of the digital camera 1 as a group specifying key for specifying a picture to be copied so that the side of the digital camera 1 may sequentially display or select pictures to be distributed and, when the first operation key 7 a is pressed then, may select a picture to be copied. Next, the external flash memory 20 is detached from the digital camera 1 and attached to the personal computer 30 to then specify a copy-destination floppy disk and an index file 20 d (“folderA.text”) which corresponds to the first operation key 7 a (“A-KEY”). This causes one or a plurality of pictures to be automatically copied to the floppy disk at a time.

[0089] That is, the user can operate the personal computer to copy any pictures recorded in the external flash memory 20 directly to the floppy disk without a need of displaying and confirming them one by one. This feature enables rapid copy even with a personal computer having a low picture processing capability. Moreover, even many pictures to be distributed can be copied to the floppy disk at a time. The picture files, therefore, can be copied easily and efficiently.

[0090] Furthermore, since the index files 20 d generated by the digital camera 1 and recorded in the external flash memory 20 are of a text format, even many picture files to be specified (grouped) as a copy picture do not increase the size of the index files 20 d. Therefore, only a small memory capacity is required to record the index files 20 d, thus effectively utilizing the storage capacity of the external flash memory.

[0091] Also in this embodiment, since the first through fourth operations keys of 7 a-7 d function as the group specifying keys in the setting of the reproduction mode and a plurality of index files 20 s is generated corresponding to the operations of the first through fourth operation keys 7 a-7 d, the pictures recorded in the external flash memory 20 can be classified and specified forehand into a plurality of groups, for example, into a plurality of subject types such as a landscape and a portrait or into subject person groups, so that one or a plurality of the pictures can be rapidly copied at a time for each of thus classified group. This facilitates use.

[0092] Note here that in contrast to this embodiment, such a configuration may be employed that any one of the first through fourth operation keys 7 a-7 d is specified to function as the group specifying key so that its operations may instruct the system to create only one index file 20 d. Even in such a case, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained, that is, the picture files can be copied easily and efficiently. Also in this case, since no index files 20 need to be specified in the personal computer 30, steps SB3 and SB4 of FIG. 7 can be omitted, so that copy starts immediately when an index file 20 d is retrieved from among the external flash memory 20.

[0093] Furthermore, although this embodiment has employed such a configuration that in the digital camera 1 the above-mentioned index files 20 d are each generated following each of the dated folders 20 b, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, such a different configuration may be employed that an index file 20 d is generated, for example, immediately following the DCIM folder 20 a as many as a number which corresponds to the group specifying keys (first through fourth operations keys) 7 a-7 d so that specified picture files 20 c may be indicated over a plurality of the dated folders 20 b. That is, rather than generating a plurality of index files 20 d of the same group for each date, only one index file 20 d may be generated.

[0094] In addition, although this embodiment has employed such a configuration that the index file 20 d may be generated in the external flash memory 20 corresponding to the operations of the group specifying keys, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, such an index file 20 d may be generated beforehand that corresponds to each of the group specifying keys (first through fourth operation keys) 7 a-7 d and also that has no picture file name recorded, for example immediately when the external flash memory 20 is started in use.

[0095] Furthermore, although the embodiment has provided the apparatus body 2 of the digital camera 1 with the first through fourth operation keys 7 a-7 d so that the user can selectively press each of these operation keys 7 a-7 d to thereby specify (select) a picture on the display 5 and also specify its group, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, such a configuration may be employed that an operation key for specifying a desired picture and that for further specifying its group are provided separately from each other or that the same operation key is used to specify a desired picture and also to specify its group.

[0096] Furthermore, although the embodiment has employed as the digital camera 1 something that has the display for displaying a through picture and a recorded picture, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, such a digital camera may be employed that does not have the display 5. In such a case, for example, when the shutter key 4 is pressed in photographing and if any one of the operation keys 7 a-7 d or a predetermined operation key is pressed, a picture file name of a picture previously photographed picture may be described in an index file 20 d which corresponds to an operated group specifying key. Alternatively, if any one of the operation keys 7 a-7 d or a predetermined key is pressed immediately before the shutter key is pressed in photographing, a picture file name of a picture photographed immediately afterward may be described in an index file 20 d which corresponds to an operated group specifying key.

[0097] Furthermore, although in the embodiment the external flash memory 20 as detached from the digital camera 1 is attached, in configuration, to the card reader 41 on the side of the personal computer 30 so that the personal computer 30 may acquire a picture file 20 c and an index file 20 d, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, the picture file 20 c and the index file 20 d may be transferred from the digital camera 1 (later-described digital camera 51 of FIG. 11) to the personal computer 30 in cable communication by use of a USB cable etc. or in wireless communication by use of an infrared etc. to be recorded on the hard disk 39 (or the RAM33, the floppy disk, or the external flash memory 20) of the personal computer 30.

[0098] Furthermore, although the embodiment has been described with a case where the picture processing conducted on a picture file contained in a specified index file 20 d is that for copying to other recording medium, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, the picture processing conducted on the picture file may be any other processing, for example, printing or display processing. In a case of printing processing conducted as the picture processing, only such a program needs to be prepared that when the user has specified any one of the index files 20 d recorded in the external flash memory 20, one or a plurality of picture files 20 c described in this specified index file 20 d may be sequentially read out to the above-mentioned personal computer 30 to then cause the printer 42 connected thereto to start printing.

[0099] Furthermore, although the embodiment has been described with a case where a fixed type of picture processing is conducted on a picture file described in a specified index file 20 d, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, any given picture processing selected by the user may be conducted.

[0100] The following will describe a specific example where the user selects any given picture processing, with reference to the drawings.

[0101]FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0102] Upon activation of the picture processing program, the personal computer 30 searches the external flash memory 20 for all the index files 20 d following any dated folders 20 b and lists them on the CRT34 (step SB11), awaiting the specification of the index file 20 d (step SB12).

[0103] Subsequently, when any one of the index files 20 d in the list is specified (YES is answered at step SB12), the process lists the types of the copy, print, display, and other picture processing items on the CRT34 (step SB13) and waits for selection of a picture processing type (step SB14).

[0104] If the print processing is selected from the list (YES is answered at step SB14), such a picture file is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picture file name contained in the index file 20 d specified at step SB12 and printed by the printer 42, ending the process (step SB15).

[0105] If the copy processing is selected from the list (YES is answered at step SB14), on the other hand, such a picture file is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picture file name contained in the index file 20 d specified at step SB12 and copied to other recording medium, ending the process (step SB16).

[0106] If the display processing is selected from the list (YES is answered at step SB14), on the other hand, such a picture file is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picture file name contained in the index file 20 d specified at step SB12 and displayed on the CRT34, ending the process (step SB17).

[0107] Furthermore, although the embodiment has been described with a case where in the flowchart of FIG. 8 a type of picture processing conducted on a picture file described in a specified index file 20 d is selected by hand, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, the type of picture processing to be conducted may be automatically determined on the basis of a file type of the index file 20 d.

[0108] The following will describe a specific example where the picture processing type is determined automatically, with reference to the drawings.

[0109]FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0110] Upon activation of the picture processing program, the personal computer 30 searches the external flash memory 20 for all the index files 20 following any dated folders 20 b and lists them on the CRT34 (step SB21) and then waits for specification of an index file 20 d.

[0111] When, subsequently, any one of the index files 20 d is specified from the list (YES is answered at step SB22), the picture processing type is determined on the basis of a file name of the specified index file 20 d (step SB23).

[0112] If the print processing is selected (YES is answered at step SB24), such a picture file is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picture file name contained in the index file 20 d specified at step SB22 and printed by the printer 42, ending the process (step SB25).

[0113] If the copy processing is selected at step SB23 (YES is answered at step 26), on the other hand, such picture file is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by a file name contained in the index file 20 d specified at step SB22 and copied to other recording medium, ending the process (step SB27).

[0114] If the display processing is selected at step SB23 (NO is answered at step SB26), on the other hand, such a picture file is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picture file name contained in the index file 20 d specified at step SB22 and displayed on the CRT, ending the process (step SB28).

[0115] Although the flowchart of FIG. 7 has been described with a case where the index file 20 d is specified by the user manually, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, the index file 20 d may be specified (selected) automatically.

[0116] For example, such a printer-dedicated terminal (terminal comprised only of the CPU31, ROM32, RAM33, card reader 41, and printer 42 shown in FIG. 5) that is capable of attaching the external flash memory 20 thereto may be used as an external apparatus of the present invention so that a predetermined file name may be given beforehand to this terminal so as to automatically print one or a plurality of picture files 20 c described in an index file 20 d.

[0117] The following will describe a specific example of automatically specifying an index file to be printed, with reference to the drawings.

[0118]FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0119] Upon activation of the picture processing program, the personal computer 30 searches the external flash memory 20 for those index files 20 d assigned a printing file name of all the index files 20 d following any dated folders 20 b (step SB31) and, if any one of such index files 20 s is found (YES is answered at step SB32), reads out from the external flash memory 20 a picture file identified by a picture file name contained in that printing index file 20 d and prints it using the printer 42, ending the process (step SB33).

[0120] Although the flowchart of FIG. 10 has been described with a case where the present invention is applied to a print-dedicated terminal, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, the present invention may be likewise applied to a display-dedicated terminal or a copy-dedicated terminal.

[0121] Furthermore, although the embodiment has been described with a case where the present invention is applied to a print-dedicated terminal along the flowchart of FIG. 10, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, the present invention may be applied to such an external apparatus (personal computer 30 of FIG. 5) that can conduct all of the copy, print, and display processing items described along the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0122] That is, any one of the copy, print, and display processing items is specified (selected) and set and registered beforehand, such processing as shown in FIG. 10 is conducted if the print processing is set and registered.

[0123] Second Embodiment

[0124]FIG. 11 is a block diagram for showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera 51 related to a second embodiment of the present invention. In addition to roughly the configuration as that of FIG. 2, this digital camera 51 has a data transfer section 52 connected to the address data bus 17. The data transfer section 52 realizes an output section of the present invention and has an output terminal for attachment of detachment of a communication cable (not shown), through which it is connected to an interface 36 of the personal computer 30 shown in FIG. 5. In this configuration, the picture files 20 c and the index files 20 d recorded in the external flash memory 20 are output to the personal computer etc. shown in FIG. 5 and also, in data transfer, signal processing is performed according to the predetermined standards of the RS232C, the USB, etc. Note here that the other sections are the same as those of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 2 and so omitted in explanation.

[0125] With such a digital camera 51 as similarly described above, by grouping the pictures along the flowchart of FIG. 6 corresponding to the user's operations in the reproduction mode, the above-mentioned index file 20 d can be created and stored in the external flash memory 20. The digital camera 51 itself can also be connected to the personal computer 30 through the communication cable with predetermined data-transfer link software installed in the personal computer, to transfer the picture file 20 c to the personal computer 30.

[0126]FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts for showing the operations of the digital camera 51 and the personal computer 30 respectively when the user takes in a predetermined picture file 20 c recorded in the external flash memory 20 into the personal computer 30 with the digital camera 51 connected thereto via the communication cable.

[0127] That is, upon activation of the link software by the user, the personal computer 30 requests the digital camera 51 to send an index file thereto (step SC1). At this moment, the digital camera 51, after being connected with the communication cable, is waiting for a request for an index file, so that in response to a request from the personal computer (YES at step SD1), it reads out all the index files 20 d recorded on the external flash memory 20 and transfers them to the personal computer 30 (step SD2).

[0128] Upon completion of reception of these index files 20 d (YES at step SC2), the personal computer 30 in turn lists all the received index files 20 d on the CRT34 (step SC3) and waist for specification of an index files 20 d (step SC4). If, subsequently, any one of these listed index files 20 d (e.g., “folderA.text”) is specified (YES is answered at step SC4), the personal computer requests the digital camera 51 to send each of picture files described in the specified index file 20 d (step SC5). In this step, the personal computer 30 sends the information of a file name of the picture file 20 and also a dated folder 20 b where it exists to the digital camera 51.

[0129] The digital camera 51 responds to a request from the personal computer 30 (YES at step SD3) to thereby read out requested picture files sequentially and transfer them to the personal computer 30 (step SD4) and, upon completion of transfer of all the picture files (YES at step SD5), ends the process. The personal computer 30 in turn sequentially receives the picture files 20 c requested for at the step SC5 and copies them to a predetermined recording medium (drive) (step SC6). When all the requested picture files are copied (YES is answered at step SC7), the process end directly.

[0130] Like by the first embodiment, also in this embodiment, therefore, the user can specify a copy-subject picture in the digital camera 51 beforehand to thereby copy a picture file easily and efficiently. Almost the same effects other than this as those described with the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0131] Note here that also in this embodiment, the purpose in use (usage) of a specified picture may be any other, for example, printing thereof. In such a case, desired pictures can be printed at a time immediately by operating a printer with which the digital camera 51 can be connected in much the same manner as mentioned above of the personal computer 30. Moreover, only a desired picture can be printed without providing the printer with a display section required to confirm print-subject pictures. Further, by employing such a configuration that print-subject index files 20 d are generated in the external flash memory 20 of the digital camera 51 while the printer is engaged in only the reading of those index files 20 d, the printer need not specify any index file 20 d, thus eliminating a need for the display section for specifying the index files 20 d.

[0132] Although like the first embodiment, this embodiment has also employed such a configuration that an index file 20 d may be stored along with a picture file 20 c into the external flash memory 20, the present invention is not limited thereto; for example, of course, these files 20 c and 20 d may be stored at different locations.

[0133] Besides the above-mentioned configurations, a password or an ID code may be recorded, in configuration, in one or all of the above-mentioned plurality of index files 20 d for enabling the collation by the personal computer etc. when it engages in processing which corresponds to a predetermined use purpose of a picture file also only such processing that corresponds to a picture file 20 c described in a collated index file 20 d.

[0134] Furthermore, of course, the few notes (especially of FIGS. 8-10) given in the variants apply to the second embodiment as well.

[0135] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A digital camera comprising: an imaging section for imaging a subject and outputting a plurality of pieces of image data; a specifying section for specifying at least one of a plurality of image data pieces output from said imaging section; an index file generating section for generating an index file containing an identifier with which any image data piece specified by said specifying section can be identified; and a control section for storing in an image storage section a plurality of image data pieces output from the imaging section, and for storing in an index file storage section an index file generated by the index file generating section.
 2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: said specifying section can specify a plurality of pieces of image data; and said index file generating section generates an index file containing a plurality of identifiers for identifying each of a plurality of pieces of image data specified by said specifying section.
 3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said image storage section and said index file storage section are provided on such a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from a camera body and also that can be utilized by an external apparatus.
 4. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said specifying section specifies at least one of a plurality of pieces of image data stored in said image storage section.
 5. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a display section for displaying a plurality of pieces of image data stored in said image storage section, said specifying section specifying at least one of a plurality of pieces of image data to be displayed on said display section.
 6. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: said specifying section can further specify a group type of image data to be specified; and said index file generating section generates said index file as an index file specific to a group type specified by said specifying section.
 7. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein: said specifying section can specify a different group type for each of said plurality of different image data; and said index file generating section generates a plurality of index files corresponding to different group types.
 8. The digital camera according to claim 6, wherein: said specifying section can specify a plurality of group types for the same image data; and said index file generating section generates a plurality of index files containing the same identifier.
 9. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said index file contains a file name which can specify said file.
 10. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: said control section stores said image data in said image storage section in a format of an image file in which an image file name is added to said image data; and said index file generating section generates an index file containing an image file name of image data specified by said specifying section.
 11. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said index file is of a text format.
 12. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: said control section further reads out an index file from said index file storage section; and said digital camera further comprises an output section for outputting an index file read out by said control section to an external apparatus.
 13. The digital camera according to claim 12, further comprising a receiving section for receiving an identifier output from said output section and output from said external apparatus, said control section further reading out from said image storage section such image data identified by an identifier received by said receiving section; and said output section further outputting to said external apparatus such image data that is read out by said control section.
 14. A digital camera comprising: imaging means for imaging a subject and outputting a plurality of pieces of image data; specifying means for specifying at least one of a plurality of image data pieces output from the imaging means; index file generating means for generating an index file containing an identifier with which any image data piece specified by said specifying means can be identified; and control means for storing in an image storage section a plurality of image data pieces output from said imaging means and also storing in an index file storage section an index file generated by said index file generating means.
 15. An image data managing apparatus comprising: an image storage section for storing a plurality of pieces of image data; a specifying section for specifying at least one of a plurality of pieces of image data stored in said image storage section; an index file generating section for generating an index file containing an identifier with which any image data piece specified by said specifying section can be identified; and an index file storage section for storing an index file generated by said index file generating section.
 16. A computer-readable recording medium recording an image data managing program for causing a computer of a digital camera provided with an imaging section for imaging a subject and outputting image data thereof to execute the processes of: specifying at least one of a plurality of pieces of image data output from said imaging section; generating an index file containing an identifier with which any specified image data piece can be identified; and storing a generated index file in a memory.
 17. An image data managing method for a digital camera, including the steps of: imaging a subject and outputting image data thereof; specifying at least one of a plurality of thus output image data pieces; generating an index file containing an identifier with which any specified image data piece can be identified; and storing a generated index file in a memory.
 18. An image data managing apparatus comprising: an acquiring section for acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storage section and which contains an identifier with which any image data piece can be identified; and a control section for executing image processing on any one of the image data pieces stored in an image storage section that is identified by an identifier contained in an index file acquired by said acquiring section.
 19. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said index file storage section and said image storage section are provided on a recording medium which can be attached to and detached from a body of a digital camera.
 20. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: said acquiring section includes a receiving section for receiving an index file output from a digital camera; said image data managing apparatus comprises an output section for outputting to said digital camera an identifier contained in an index file received by said receiving section; said receiving section further receives at said digital camera such image data that is identified on the basis of said identifier; and said control section executes image processing on image data received by said receiving section.
 21. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: said acquiring section acquires a plurality of index files; said image data managing apparatus comprises a specifying section for specifying at least one of a plurality of index files acquired by said acquiring section; and said control section executes image processing on image data identified by an identifier contained in an index file specified by said specifying section.
 22. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a display section for displaying a plurality of index files acquired by said acquiring section, said specifying section specifying at least one of a plurality of index files displayed on said display section.
 23. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a selecting section for selecting any given image processing item of a plurality of types of image processing items, said control section executing an image processing item selected by said selecting section on image data identified by an identifier contained in an index file acquired by said acquiring section.
 24. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: said acquiring section can acquire a plurality of types of index files; and said control section executes image processing determined on the basis of type of an index file acquired by said acquiring section on image data identified by an identifier contained in an index file acquired by said acquiring section.
 25. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: said acquiring section can acquire a plurality of types of index files; said image data managing apparatus comprises an extracting section for extracting a predetermined type of an index file from a plurality of types of index files acquired by said acquiring section; and said control section executes said predetermined type of image processing item on image data identified by an identifier contained in an index file extracted by said extracting section.
 26. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said control section executes copy, display, or print processing on said image data.
 27. An image data managing apparatus comprising: acquiring means for acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storage section and which contains an identifier with which any images data piece can be identified; and control means for executing image processing on any one of image data pieces stored in an image storage section that is identified by an identifier contained in an index file acquired by said acquiring means.
 28. A computer-readable recording medium recording am image data managing program for causing a computer of an image data managing apparatus for processing image data to execute the processes of: acquiring an index file that is stored in an index file storage section and also that contains an identifier which can specify image data; and executing image processing on image data that is identified by an identifier contained in an acquired index file and also that is stored in a image storage section.
 29. An image data managing method comprising the steps of: acquiring an index file that is stored in an index file storage section and also that contains an identifier which can specify image data; and executing image processing on image data that is identified by an identifier contained in an acquired index file and also that is stored in an image storage section. 